Women 48 – Tuam 5

The first round of the Connacht Cup kicked off in a cold but sunny Tuam. Tuam’s incredible display in the Connacht Women’s league prior to Christmas had secured their place in this provincial cup competition.

Galwegians were first on the board with two tries in quick succession from number 8, Edel “Tricky” McMahon. However Tuam answered promptly with a try of their own, after some quick forward plays in the ‘Wegian 22. Following this lapse in concentration, the visitors began to settle into the game, despite the cold conditions. Tries from Tracey Gannon, Nicole Fowley and Claire Raftery gave the blue belles a comfortable lead 5-27 at half time.

The second half saw much of the same confident play from the Galwegian women, with Fowley adding and converting her second try of the game. Tuam began picking up a number of injuries to crucial players. McMahon, forever tenacious around the ruck, awarded her own turnover with a hat-trick try directly underneath the posts. Number 7, Fiona Malone crossed the whitewash after the 60^th minute, Raftery converted. It was here that the whistle was blown by the referee; Tuam had no more replacements for their injured players.

The final score: Tuam 5-48 Galwegians

The next round of the cup sees the Blue Belles take on Castlebar at home Sunday 17^th January.

All support welcome!